The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US was seen by the gambling community as a move that could possibly result in a federal sports betting ban being lifted and in a federal online gambling ban being enforced.
A two-decade-old footage of President Trump staunchly supporting the legalization of sports betting in New Jersey was brought to media attention earlier this year. Here it is important to note that Mr. Trump was a key figure on the Atlantic City gambling scene back in the days, owning several casino properties on the city’s iconic Boardwalk.
Bearing in mind his previous positive stance on sports betting, him being America’s top official may turn into a blessing, according to many. The American Gaming Association, which represents the country’s gambling industry, has recently voiced the opinion that the end of the sports betting ban is near and the US may very soon have a legalized betting industry.
The AGA has over the years demonstrated extreme opposition to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, a law that defined sports betting as an illegal activity at a federal level. Thus, with very few exceptions, the State of Nevada being the most prominent such exception, no legal wagers on any sport can be placed within the US borders.
Sports officials, including major sports leagues executives, and other personalities involved in any way in sports have softened their stance toward the discussed type of gambling activity over the past few years. This, according to the AGA, could only help legislative mood toward sports betting improve. According to the association, which has turned into US gambling’s biggest advocate, the ban has every chance to be lifted before the end of Mr. Trump’s presidency.
However, on the eve of the US President’s 100th day of tenure, there was no mention of betting. And there was no mention of the future of online gambling at a federal level.
Online gambling has been in a perpetual spotlight since the beginning of the year. Several states are looking to expand their existing gambling industries through the addition of remote gambling options, spotting the potential Europe has already been bearing the fruits of.
Online gambling has very powerful enemies in the US, with Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson being one of the biggest such enemies. It is believed that if more powerful people raise voice and if US legislators hear their voice, more troubling times may be coming for iGaming in the country.
The appointment of Jeff Sessions as the 84th Attorney General of the US spurred more fears about the future of online gambling. During his confirmation hearing back in January, the official said that he would probably revisit a 2011 Department of Justice decision, under which the legalization of iGaming became a matter decided by state Legislatures.
AG Sessions has been quiet on the matter since stepping into service, so it is still unknown what actions he will undertake, if any. He was recently sent a letter by the National Governors Association, urging him to leave the status quo unchanged, as states are equipped with everything necessary to create effective online gambling regulatory frameworks.
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